Dylan Brown’s current contract situation has been one of the most compelling stories of the offseason.

Brown’s deal with the Parramatta Eels is up at the end of 2023 and he has been eligible to negotiate with rival clubs for a month.

Rumours have circulated about where he will end up but two clubs seem to be locked in a battle for Brown.

The New Zealand Warriors have been rumoured to be looking to sign the 22-year-old for over a year now; however, Wayne Bennett has confirmed that The Dolphins are interested in signing the Auckland native and it is between them and the Eels for Brown’s services in 2024.

Brown recently spoke to Channel Nine and was asked to comment on the rumours about him being linked with The Dolphins and his thoughts on Bennett.

“He is a super coach… but you’ll have to wait and see,” said Brown.

Paul Crawley from The Daily Telegraph is also reporting that The Dolphins believe they are close to signing Brown.

“NRL newcomers the Dolphins are growing increasingly confident in their chase for star Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown, potentially giving Wayne Bennett the dream halves partnership of the future,” said Crawley.

 
“The talk is the Dolphins will go more than $1-million-a-season to tempt the Kiwi star away from Parramatta, which is way more than the Eels are prepared to pay to keep Brown.”

Parramatta will certainly attempt to re-sign Brown but in the end it may have to come down to a choice between their star five-eighth and their halfback Mitchell Moses.

Moses has an option in his favour for 2024 and there is speculation of rival club interest in him also.

The Eels will not be able to match The Dolphins offer for Brown while also keeping Moses so to keep both players they will have to convince Moses to activate his player option and convince Brown to stay for less money than what he could be getting in for Wayne Bennett’s side.

Parramatta are certainly in a tough situation and there is a good chance that 2023 will be the final season where we see Brown in an Eels jersey.